Crowe Malaysia has appointed Lee Kok Wai as its new Managing Partner effective January 1, 2023.
Kok Wai has been a key member of Crowe Malaysia’s leadership team since 2004 and has played a pivotal role as the Head of Audit for the past 18 years. In taking up this new mantle of leadership, Kok Wai will continue to help the firm’s clients with his services and professional advice.
“As the fifth largest accounting firm in Malaysia, we are sizable enough to be able to gather an excellent team of experts, locally and internationally, that can work together to derive greater value for our clients,” says Lee. “By combining the expertise, experience, and innovation of our professional teams, and by capitalizing on our extensive global network, we are well-positioned to support businesses to expand and thrive in this evolving landscape.”
He will succeed the current Managing Partner, Poon Yew Hoe, who has held the helm since 2007. Poon is ending his term as Managing Partner but will remain active in the firm by continuing to serve as a member of the Crowe Malaysia Managing Board of Partners. “Kok Wai is a remarkable leader with the drive and vision to steer our firm into its next chapter of growth,” said Poon. “Being able to transition our firm to new and dynamic leadership sets the foundation for the next stage of our corporate journey. I have faith that we have appointed the right leader to secure our future success.”
Kok Wai started his accountancy career with an international accounting firm in 1988 as an articled student undertaking the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) examinations. He rose through the ranks until his last position as an Audit Principal before leaving in 2004 to join Crowe Malaysia. Kok Wai leads the audit division that audits more than 60 listed companies. He has extensive experience in auditing, financial due diligence, and financial reporting. He has also led many initial public offering (IPO) engagements for the flotation of companies on the LEAP, ACE, and Main Market of the Bursa Malaysia.
